Alpine course, Ski & Snowboard - January Course

Date: Sat, 09.01.2027 till Sat, 16.01.2027

Arrival day: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner and the opening of the course

Departure day: The exams take place on the last day of the course. Departure takes place in the afternoon after the ceremony. If a participant needs an additional night in the hotel, please organize this yourself.

Course language: English

Duration: 7 days

Requirements: Austrian Licence: Skilehrer Anwärter (Level 1+2) and LS1 (Level 3-part 1) or Snowboardlehrer Anwärter (Level 1+2) and Snowboard Landeslehrer (Level 3) or a licence from another country: Ski Instructor minimum Level 3 (ISIA stamp standard) or Snowboard Instructor minimum Level 3 (ISIA stamp standard).

Please bring all your certificates in original version to the course.

Accommodation: will follow

Packages and services:

• Course including hotel & lift pass: will follow
  • 7 course days, course and examination fee, 7 days lift ticket, 7 nights hotel incl. breakfast, 2-3 bed room

• Course incl. hotel: will follow
  • 7 course days, course and exam fee, 7 nights hotel incl. breakfast, 2-3 bed rooms

• Course only: 900 € + 50 € seminar room fee
  • 7 course days, course and exam fee

Optional at extra charge: accident insurance, travel and cancellation insurance

Arrival and departure: The travel to and from the course location and the ski area is to be organized by the participants themselves. 

Arrival by Train: The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Deutsche Bahn will bring you quickly and conveniently to the train station in Dorfgastein, which is approximately 1,5 km away from the hotel.

Course Description: The Alpine Course is a core component of the Austrian Ski and Snowboard Instructor Education Program. It equips participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to move safely and lead groups in off-piste and alpine terrain.

The course combines both practical training and theoretical instruction, covering topics such as tour planning, navigation and orientation, snow and avalanche awareness, as well as emergency and rescue management. The main focus is on developing the ability to make responsible decisions in the alpine environment and to accurately assess terrain, weather, and snow conditions.

The course concludes with both practical and theoretical examinations, as well as an independently planned and led ski tour. Upon successful completion, participants are well prepared to safely guide groups in off-piste and backcountry terrain.

👉 Find more information about the course here.

Schedule: between 9am and 3pm practical training on snow. The theory lessons will take place in the afternoon and/or evenings.

The practical and theoretical exams will take place on the last 2 days of the course (last minute alterations to the examination schedule could be possible due to unforeseen weather conditions).

Snowsports Academy Pro App: Before the start of your training, you will receive access to the Snowsports Academy's digital learning platform.

The Snowsports Academy Pro App will accompany you throughout your training and continue to support you throughout your career as a ski instructor. It provides access to course materials, organizational information, your digital ski instructor ID, and communication tools for connecting with instructors and fellow participants.

The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Recognition: Austria is divided into several federal states, each has its own law for ski schools, which can be different in the regulations. Despite these differences of the state laws, there is an agreement between the regional associations of the federal states that allows the recognition of Austrian educations in German language in all federal states. Therefore, the German courses and examinations of the Viennese Ski and Snowboard Instructor Association - Snowsports Academy are recognized in all Austrian federal states.

​Examinations in English: The Snowsports Academy is the only association in Austria that offers educations and exams in both German and English. It is important to note that some Austrian federal states require appropriate German language skills to work as a snowsports instructor, and employment in these regions is only possible after passing a German exam. Therefore, we recommend taking the exam in German if you wish to work in Austria. Otherwise, only an international certificate from the Snowsports Academy can be issued, which is recognized in many countries but not in all regions of Austria.

Career & Job Opportunities: Through the Snowsports Connect platform, you gain access to international job opportunities and can connect directly with ski schools around the world. Many participants secure their first teaching position shortly after completing their training—both in Austria and internationally.

👉 Visit the Job Platform

Equipment: A complete and up-to-date alpine ski touring/off-piste equipment setup suitable for alpine terrain is required for the course. If needed, equipment can be rented from selected partner sports shops at exclusive Snowsports Academy partner rates.

Helmet use is mandatory throughout the entire course.

👉 Find the complete equipment list here.

Terms of payment: A deposit of 20% of the total price has to be paid at the time of registration. The remaining balance has to be paid at least 20 days before the beginning of the course, there will not be a payment reminder to do so. For those who register on a course less than 20 days before the course begins, the total price is due immediately.

Cancellation insurance: In the event of a cancellation or withdrawal from the course—whether before the course begins or after it has already started—our Terms of Participation and Cancellation Policy apply. Course fees are non-refundable.

By purchasing the optional insurance, you can protect yourself against the financial risk of cancellation or early withdrawal due to illness or injury. In addition, this insurance provides mountain rescue coverage, including helicopter evacuation.

👉 https://service.europaeische.at/doc/en/Information_document_CompleteCover-IPID-KS_2021-EN-001.pdf

Accident insurance: You have the option to purchase accident insurance (including helicopter rescue) for €29. We strongly recommend taking out this coverage.

Please note that this is not cancellation or course interruption insurance. It does not cover cancellation due to illness or early withdrawal from the course.

Please also be aware that this training course is classified as a professional training event. As a result, coverage under some private insurance policies may not apply.

Key Benefits at a Glance:

• Accident-related expenses: up to €2,000
• Rescue costs (including helicopter evacuation): up to €15,000
• Coverage for common sports injuries, such as ligament and meniscus injuries

For detailed information about the insurance coverage and benefits, please refer to the Terms of Participation and Cancellation Policy.

Disclaimer: Neither the organizer nor the instructors, trainers, responsible persons, guides, except caused deliberately or due to gross negligence, guarentee for accidents and damages to people or things who originate to the participant or third parties.

Registration deadline / Minimum number of participants: Upon reaching the maximum number of participants, the deadline for registration can be brought forward. If there are fewer than 8 applications for this course, the organiser reserves the right to cancel the course.

To wear a helmet and a LVS is obligated!